“That’s a lie,” Levi states as he comes up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist as he buries his head in my neck to whisper, “You rode just fine last night.”
I spin in his grasp and push him away, which only makes him laugh. Crossing my arms in front of my chest, I try my best to look intimidating. “That’s not funny, Levi.”
“I’m sorry.” He takes a step closer. “I no longer respond to my government name. I will only respond to baby, honey, or my love.”
“Will you knock it off?” I bite my lip to stop my laughter from escaping me as I stomp my foot. “I’m serious. I don’t know if I can do this.”
The crunching of boots draws my attention, and I glance to the left to see Colt walking up to us. “Let me help you. Here, take my hand.” I raise a brow but follow his directions, slipping my right hand into his. “Okay, this is the hand that you’re going to grab that knob on the saddle with. It’s called the horn. Your rightfoot will go in here, the stirrup, and then you’ll swing your left leg over to get into the seat.”
“Do you really need to be holding her hand to talk her through this?” I glance over to see a frown on Levi’s face as he stares at our hands.
“It’s called reassurance,” Colt responds with a shrug, dropping my hand. “Maybe if you would’ve tried that rather than tease her, she’d be more confident.”
Levi’s gaze hardens, his shoulders tightening. I spin to Colt with a roll of my eyes. “Ignore this caveman over here. Okay, so I just grab on and swing my leg over? That’s it?”
“That’s it.” He nods his head toward the saddle. “Go on. I’ll stand here in case you need help.”
I grip the horn, slipping my right foot into the stirrup and bouncing lightly on my left foot to get the power and strength to swing my leg over. My right thigh strains as I hoist myself up, and a satisfied huff passes my lips as I settle into the seat.
“Atta girl,” Colt says, smiling up at me and giving my thigh a gentle pat. “You got this. Levi can talk you through the rest. You’re in safe hands with ole’ Biscuit here.”
“Biscuit?”
Levi laughs as he climbs onto his own horse. “Stevie named him when she was nine years old.”
I nod my head in understanding. He walks me through a few tips and tricks on how to get him moving, how to go faster and slow down, and how to sit comfortably in the seat. Once I feel confident enough, we start our venture.
Levi and I spend two hours wandering the closest pastures, one of which is currently homing some of the cattle. We climb off and take a brief break when we hit the stream he had mentioned before coming out here, the one he and his cousins spent a lot of their time fishing in.
Once we get back to the stables, I climb off Biscuit and give him a peck on his snout in a thank you. Colt comes in and grabs the reins from me, taking my horse inside to take the saddle off him. Levi walks up and intertwines our fingers, leading me back to the four-wheeler so we can make our way back to the guest house.
Levi starts on dinner while I go into the bedroom and take a shower, washing the sweat off me. I blow-dry my hair once I’m out, reapplying some light makeup and stepping into a pair of leggings, which I pair with a simple blue sweater.
Bounding back into the living room, Levi is setting the table with two plates and lighting a candle in the middle. My eyes widen as I notice rose petals strewn across the table when I take a seat.
“What’s all this?”
He leans down and presses a kiss to my temple before sitting down next to me. “I wanted to make sure you had a nice home cooked meal. I enjoy feeding you.”
“If cooking was a love language, that’d be yours.” I pick up my fork and knife, cutting into the chicken. “And I’m not complaining.”
Levi chuckles and we proceed to eat in a comfortable silence. I feel him watching me occasionally, and every time I look over, I find him smiling at me, which causes my cheeks to flush. Taking my last bite, I set my silverware down and turn to notice his plate is also empty. I stand and reach for it, going to take them in the kitchen, but he puts a hand on my arm to stop me.
“Where are you going?”
“To put these in the sink,” I say, a small smile on my face. “Why?”
He slowly stands, his hands trailing up my thighs and his eyes staring into mine with a heated expression. Goosebumpserupt across my skin in the wake of his touch, and a soft gasp escapes me as his fingers dig into my hips.
“You’re not going anywhere, baby.” He drops his head to my ear with a husky whisper. “Get on the table, Lowe. It’s time for my dessert.”
I raise a brow. “Haven’t we already done this once?”
“I’m not even close to having my fill, baby.” He kisses my neck, and my head falls to the side to give him better access. “I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of you.”
I step away from him, a sly smile on my face as I see the disappointed look in his eyes. Walking backward, I stop at the couch and lean on the armrest, crossing my legs at the ankles as I tilt my head at him slightly.
“Prove it.” He raises a brow as I lift my chin up, running my tongue along my bottom lip. “Crawl to me.”
